Sign 7: A Lump in the Neck
The discovery of a lump in the neck can be an unsettling experience. While it’s common to feel anxious, it’s important to remember that not all neck lumps are cancerous. However, in the context of throat cancer, a lump or swelling in the neck can be an early indicator of the disease.
This symptom generally arises from enlarged lymph nodes, which can indicate the body’s response to an infection or a more serious condition like cancer. In throat cancer, a neck lump may be caused by the cancer cells spreading to the lymph nodes in the neck.
The lump may be felt on one side of the neck or just below the jaw. It may be painless and may not change in size initially. However, it’s the persistence of the lump that should raise concerns. If you’ve noticed a lump in your neck that doesn’t disappear after a couple of weeks, it’s vital to get it checked out.
Keep in mind that neck lumps can be caused by a variety of other conditions, such as infections, benign growths, and other types of cancer. Therefore, finding a lump in your neck doesn’t automatically mean you have throat cancer. However, it’s still a symptom that should never be ignored. Any lump that persists should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions, including throat cancer. (7)
